45Synonyms found for clean

Word Origin & History

clean O.E. clæne "clean, pure," from W.Gmc. *klainoz "clear, pure," from PIE base *gel- "to gleam" (cf. Gk. glene "eyeball," O.Ir. gel "bright"). As an adj., replaced in higher senses by clear, pure, but as a verb (c.1450) it has largely usurped what once belonged to cleanse. The adj. clean in the sense of "innocent" is from c.1300; that of "not lewd" is from 1867; that of "free of drug addiction" is 1950s. To take (someone) to the cleaners "get all of (someone's) money" is from 1932

Example Sentences for clean

Use a sharp utility knife to cut out a clean square where the damage is.

Wash and rinse the area using a gentle plant-based soap and dry with a clean towel.

More than a billion people don't have reliable access to clean drinking water.

Those who had been thinking clean thoughts were more likely to deem those practices immoral.

Crews worked around the clock in an attempt to clean up the oil before it could spread too far.